As part of a 7th grade art rotation, students will participate in a multicultural study of art. In one project, they will study Chinese art and create a watercolor painting of a dragon. To reinforce writing standards and the tradition of Chinese painting, students will write a poem to accompany their watercolor paintings. The focus areas follow. In addition, students will be able to apply their knowledge and understanding of symbolism, personification, and imagery in both their paintings and their poetry, all PSSA standards assessed on the exam. Since the 7th graders attend art in 6- week rotations, we scan the artwork and post to a wikispace to share their work with their entire grade and allow students to comment, reflect, and ask questions on the paintings and writing.
Symbols in Chinese Art Clouds Symbolize good fortune and happiness, especially when they have more than one color. Crane Symbol of longevity. It is often shown with other symbols of longevity such as the pine tree. Two cranes flying upward towards the sun has the meaning or wish of "rising high." Cricket The cricket symbolizes summer. It also represents courage and a fighting spirit. Dragon Fly The Dragon Fly is a symbol of summer. Lily A lily is a plant that is used to help you forget your troubles. Lotus Thanks to the Buddhist influence, the lotus (or sea-rose) is of unique importance in Chinese folklore and symbolism. It is the symbol of purity. Mountains In most religions mountains have an important symbolic role. They are the geographic point at which followers believe they are the closest to their gods or to the highest points of the universe. Pine The favorite tree of Chinese painters, the pine symbolizes longevity and steadfastness. They represent winter. Rose Symbolizes youth and the four seasons. Willow Symbol of Spring. Chrysanthemum Symbolizes autumn. Poem Requirements
1. Poem must discuss dragon, a season, a seasonal element, an emotion, imagery, and personification.
2. Poem must be at least 4 lines in length (or even number of lines, if longer) and must relate to your painting and landscape.
3. Neatly incorporate poem into painting (make it a part of your artwork).
You can use this format for your poem if you’d like (add your own words to these line beginnings):
The good seasonal element (like rain or snow) knows… When season (match with seasonal element) arrives… At dawn in season (same as line above), I see… The dragon is emotion because he knows…
Symbols in Chinese Art
Clouds
Symbolize good fortune and happiness, especially when they have more than one color.
Crane
Symbol of longevity. It is often shown with other symbols of longevity such as the pine tree. Two cranes flying upward towards the sun has the meaning or wish of "rising high."
Cricket
The cricket symbolizes summer. It also represents courage and a fighting spirit.
Dragon Fly
The Dragon Fly is a symbol of summer.
Lily
A lily is a plant that is used to help you forget your troubles.
Lotus
Thanks to the Buddhist influence, the lotus (or sea-rose) is of unique importance in Chinese folklore and symbolism. It is the symbol of purity.
Mountains
In most religions mountains have an important symbolic role. They are the geographic point at which followers believe they are the closest to their gods or to the highest points of the universe.
Pine
The favorite tree of Chinese painters, the pine symbolizes longevity and steadfastness. They represent winter.
Rose
Symbolizes youth and the four seasons.
Willow
Symbol of Spring.
Chrysanthemum
Symbolizes autumn.
Poem Requirements
1. Poem must discuss dragon, a season, a seasonal element, an emotion, imagery, and personification.
2. Poem must be at least 4 lines in length (or even number of lines, if longer) and must relate to your painting and landscape.
3. Neatly incorporate poem into painting (make it a part of your artwork).
You can use this format for your poem if you’d like (add your own words to these line beginnings):
The good seasonal element (like rain or snow) knows…
When season (match with seasonal element) arrives…
At dawn in season (same as line above), I see…
The dragon is emotion because he knows…
Brainstorm! Write and sketch some ideas below!